Following the departures of Dennis Farina and Annie Parisse at the end of the 16th season, Govich and de la Garza joined the cast as Detective Nina Cassady and Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa, respectively.

[2][3] Former cast member Richard Brooks reprised his role as Paul Robinette for the episode "Fear America".

[4] Ed Green and his new partner, Nina Cassady, investigate the death of a cop killed during a botched robbery which leads them to stolen photographs of a celebrity mother married to a rapper who has motive for wanting the photos.

A has-been actor Mitch Carroll wearing bloodstained clothing arrested for drunken driving reveals religious prejudices during his rantings.

After Erin Garrett an actress is found dead in her apartment, Green and Cassady attempt to prove that her death was not a suicide.